New case/mobo

[SiliconValley]

My system:

Dell 4700
P4 530 3.0Ghz
1 gig DDR2 (512x2)
Gigabyte Geforce 6600GT

This system was a gift I happened upon at a time when I was thinking of building my own. It's been a great system but I'm planning on upgrading my video card in the next several months to a geforce 7800GT (or similar) and I know I'll have issues with the power supply. I'm also sick of the dull case and would like to maybe overclock my CPU a little bit (but this isn't a high priority).

What I plan to buy:
New case
Mobo / PSU
CPU HSF

My plan:
1.) Backup data I need to keep (in case I need to re-format).
2.) Pull out my CPU, RAM, Hard drive, CD drive, graphics card.
3.) Install my new CPU HSF onto the dell-supplied CPU and install the other components into the new case/mobo.
4.) Re-install XP / reformat + re-install XP depending on what happens.

I'm pretty comfortable with hardware and I've assembled a system for a friend in the past (although I didn't install the OS). However, I have much less experience on the OS / software side of things.

Questions:
1.) Will I have any trouble pulling the CPU out of my current dell? I.e. Is it somehow permanently attached or is it a standard P4 530?
2.) OS issues - I have the dell-supplied OS disk for XP. If I have to re-activate windows will I be able to even though I'm moving my hardware into a new system?
3.) I've heard the P4 530 is a good overclocker, but will I stand much of a chance with a dell-supplied chip (after I ditch the dell heatsink and get a good HSF)?

Thanks!

 

[gplracer]

Questions:
1.) Will I have any trouble pulling the CPU out of my current dell? I.e. Is it somehow permanently attached or is it a standard P4 530?
2.) OS issues - I have the dell-supplied OS disk for XP. If I have to re-activate windows will I be able to even though I'm moving my hardware into a new system?
3.) I've heard the P4 530 is a good overclocker, but will I stand much of a chance with a dell-supplied chip (after I ditch the dell heatsink and get a good HSF)?

1. You should not have any trouble pulling it out. I just pulled out a 2.2ghz from a Dell desktop and a 3.06ghz from a dell laptop.
2. You will want to borrow a plain jane copy of Windows XP from a friend. You will probably need an oem version. When it asks for the product key just put in the product key from the dell you have. When you activate you will have to call Microsoft. Tell them this version of windows is only being used on one system and you will be fine. That is the truth anyway. You see MS disabled oem online activation so when you do not use the restore disks you have to do this.
3. It is luck of the draw. It may overclock well or it may not. I am not sure if being a dell chip really makes any difference.

On the case front I just switched from a Antec case to a Thermaltake Tsunami and I am real fond of it.